Micronutrients inducing changes in bone strength and muscle and brain function in older adults has been assessed through a scoping review published in 2017 in The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging by Iolascon et al. They reviewed 12 high-quality articles that included clinical trials and longitudinal studies to assess which of these micronutrients indeed helped with issues relating to aging.
From these studies, 16 micronutrients were considered beneficial for maintaining strong bones, healthy muscles, and better cognitive function:
This overview identifies these micronutrients that can help older adults stay in good health backed by good scientific evidence from clinical trials and guidelines. These micronutrients will not, however, substitute a healthy lifestyle, but should serve to prevent bone loss, preserve muscle strength, etc., in the full view of available nutritional data on the substances.
This scoping study would provide moderate to strong evidence but with limitations from the type of study in question.
The review would consider:
RCTs and systematic reviews would provide strong evidence. On the other hand, scoping reviews are not the same as systematic reviews or meta-analysis in assessing the quality or risk of bias of individual studies. In other words, it summarizes the evidence available but does not prove causation nor does it make clinical recommendations with a high level of certainty.
Scientific research is still needed on appropriate dosages to support the long-term effects. But one of the recommendations for sound aging is ensuring that proper intakes of these nutrients—whether through diet or supplements—are maintained for the best possible pure health benefits later in life.
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